14th case linked to serial rapist in Kansas college towns

14th case linked to serial rapist in Kansas college towns

Jul. 27, 2017

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — A suspected serial rapist who remains on the loose after attacking 13 women in two Kansas college towns has been tied to another case, authorities announced Thursday.

Police in Riley County and Lawrence said during a joint news conference that the 14th case is a July 2015 attempted rape in Manhattan. The man also is suspected in 12 other rapes and one other attempted rape from 2000 to 2008, The Kansas City Star (http://bit.ly/2tGPBwR ) reported.

Authorities are urging other women who may have been victimized to come forward. Police say all but one of the attacks occurred during school breaks at Kansas State and the University of Kansas.

The Kansas attorney general's office announced in 2009 that it was investigating the link between the attacks after the two communities sought help.

"We are here today because we need the public's help," said Anthony Brixius, the interim police chief in Lawrence.

Officials also announced Thursday that they'd created a website asking for the public's help. The site allows people to read information about the crimes and to provide tips and assistance to help solve the case. An anonymous donor has provided a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the rapist.

Investigators said they are working several leads but are not in a position to discuss that information. They have not released a name of a suspect.

The suspect is now described as a white male, about 5 feet 10 inches tall with a prominent stomach and large thighs. He is believed to be in his 30s.

Authorities have said the rapist sees a woman and then learns her routine. In each case, authorities said, the man wore a mask, and in many cases he had a gun.

Investigators have not disclosed whether they have recovered any DNA evidence.